Families will be challenged to hunt down Halloween characters hidden in shop windows when a popular free trail returns to Hitchin town centre this October half-term.

The Hermitage Halloween Trail will run from Saturday, October 24 to Sunday, November 1, taking in more than 15 businesses around Hermitage Road.

Organised by Visit Hitchin, the free event will see pumpkin characters and other spooky friends hidden in the windows of participating shops.

Children and families can pick up a trail sheet and attempt to find all the characters to complete the challenge, with those taking part also having the chance to win a prize.

This year's trail has been expanded to run throughout the October half-term holiday and involve more than 15 businesses.

Visit Hitchin hopes the event will encourage families to explore the town centre while also bringing additional footfall to local independent shops and other businesses.

Organisers said: "The annual Hermitage Halloween Trail is now bigger and better than ever as it will now span over the October half-term and over 15 businesses.

"This will add a little extra fun, colour, and lots of all-important footfall around our town centre.

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"It gives our shops, both large and small, an extra opportunity to showcase themselves to families while they enjoy the trail."

Trail sheets will be available from Next Page Books, Beats School Uniforms and the Visit Hitchin shop.

Hitchin's Hermitage Halloween Trail runs from Saturday, October 24 until Sunday, November 1 and is free to take part.